Effect of Interstitial Elements on the Weldability of Nickel Base Alloys

 

•High chromium multi-component nickel base alloys provide desired high temperature strength and corrosion resistance for applications in nuclear power industries.
•Weldability of these alloys is strongly affected by variations in composition.
•Current commercial nickel base filler metals can be susceptible to solidification cracking, especially under high-restraint conditions.
•Solidification cracking can result in reduced strength and corrosion resistance of the welds, compromising the safety of nuclear operators.
•Interstitial elements (carbon, nitrogen) along with carbide and nitride forming elements have been shown to strongly affect weld microstructure and properties in nickel base filler metals.
•The effect and interaction of interstitials and alloying elements on weld solidification and solidification cracking is not well understood.
 

Industry Sponsor: BWXT, EPRI

Faculty: John DuPont (Lehigh)

Graduate Student: Chris Farnin

Industry Contact: Frank Argentine and Steve McCracken